It was understood that the ex-Blackburn and Stoke enforcer held discussions with Everton and Arsenal over a potential return to the Premier League in January after Sevilla gave him the green light to leave.

Everton are now huge favourites to sign N’Zonzi next month while Arsenal (3/1) and West Ham (8/1) are also thought to be in the running.

The Daily Mail reported before Christmas that the two-times France international has a stunning £32.5million release clause in his contract at Sevilla, however it is understood that no one will be willing to meet that for the 6ft 4in midfield colossus.

N’Zonzi has not made a single appearance for the La Liga side since mid-November after falling out with manager Eduardo Berizzo.

However Berizzo was sacked by Sevilla last week, so it remains to be seen whether or not that has an impact on whether Everton could sign N’Zonzi next month.